Teaching Assistants and Grammar Teachers
AFSO’s Teaching Assistants play a vital role in supporting student learning and ensuring the academic quality of our programs. Drawn from diverse academic backgrounds, they guide discussions, provide feedback, teach English, and help create an engaging and supportive classroom environment.
Meet some of our wonderful TAs
Francis
University College London
Erin
University of Toronto
Yesround
Ningbo University graduate
Lucy
University of Leeds
Martyna
University of Toronto
Carlotta
University College London
Lou
University of Toronto
George
University College London
Maddie
University of Toronto
Inès
University College London
Eugénie
University College London
Sophia
University of Toronto
Two TA Stories
Gabriel, University of London
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I learned of AFSO from professors that have taught me during my Philosophy course at UCL, as well as a couple of friends who got involved themselves. I’ve since encouraged others to get onboard and work with AFSO; which is indicative of how much I’ve enjoyed it. I’ve been helping support classes that I know little or nothing about, which has actually been one of the most interesting parts! My first course was a Business Negotiations Workshop which saw students learn methods and techniques that could be utilised in a wide range of real-world negotiation and bargaining scenarios. Seeing students, who have been so disenfranchised, be empowered to fight for what they want from their lives was very moving. The other class I’ve supported looked at the Fundamentals of Academic Writing and Research. It was really enjoyable to be able to contribute my knowledge (and love) of conducting research and writing in philosophy. It was also really encouraging to see how much information is open-access; especially in an academic world that increasingly feels like it’s being hidden behind a paywall. It reminded me that ‘knowledge is power’ isn’t an empty platitude – it’s a fact, and it’s should be our mission to make sure that the world of knowledge isn’t kept from women in Afghanistan. Courses like this contribute to that mission. Professors have been really keen to get me involved in classes. Aside from being an extra pair of hands that can do the admin tasks (like attendance-taking and well-being check-ups on absent students), I’ve also been encouraged to suggest topics of interest that I think should be included in the syllabus, and even to take whole sessions myself! I’m hoping to get even more involved in the coming months, now I’m familiar with how AFSO classes operate. The biggest challenge generally is keeping students engaged and attending as much as possible, which is always likely to be hindered by students’ challenging personal circumstances; such as family duties, work commitments, or power outages. One of AFSO’s biggest nemeses is probably Afghanistan’s power grid. Aside from studying at university and volunteering with AFSO, I recently started an internship with an Afghan charity that helps migrants and refugees obtain secure legal status and adapt to life in the UK, both culturally and linguistically. When I’m not studying or volunteering, I’m supporting my below-average football team, playing the guitar, going to art/photography exhibitions and reading; as much as possible! When students have told me that they’ve gone on to secure university places in countries like Germany and the United States; that always makes me quite emotional to be honest. To have played any part in that, however big or small, gives you great satisfaction.
Gabrielle, University of Toronto
Last winter I helped with a Medical Chemistry course, which was not at all my realm of expertise. It was fun to hear about something I'm not familiar with. This semester I'm doing Critical Thinking and Literature, which is more within my course of study. I'm excited. I was surprised and impressed by how loving our Afghan students are. How open they are to expressing personal interest and in being happy in the course. Once in the Google chat, they were telling me how much they want to make me traditional Afghan food! They send up hearts. This isn't something I've experienced at U of T. There was one class when the professor couldn't be there, and that was when they told me about their past experiences, about coming to AFSO, about their hobbies and how much they love sports. Just hearing about them as people was really special. They want to work on their English more, but in fact I can understand them perfectly well. Some of my students shared that they had been pursuing degrees in medicine, and they want to get back to that. I was impressed with their student advocacy, how willing they were to speak up when they couldn't understand the professor or couldn't see the Google slides. Especially given what they've been through, it was exciting hearing them advocate for them and their fellow students. My own background is Middle Eastern, so on a small scale I can understand some of their experiences. Obviously gender is the big issue here, and I can relate to that. On the other hand, their situation is so extreme, it's hard to wrap your head around sometimes, so it could be nice to just sit back, listen, and try to understand what they're going through. It can be helpful, in a small way, just to be there and listen to them. I was brought into AFSO by Professor John Duncan, who directs my program at U of T and volunteers with AFSO. He also runs a community program where professors lecture on a topic and students work with the community members. I interacted with high school students from Afghanistan. It was incredible to hear from them and also to be doing TA work with AFSO. The students here in Canada are excited about the freedom and aspirations that they have, which are also what our students are hoping for. Meanwhile, wars impact people everywhere, like the Pakistan-Afghan conflict now. Here at U of T, everything is business as usual, but in my class, we didn't shy away from the impact of war, both in practical and emotional ways. I appreciated being able to face these issues head on and talk about them. I've told so many of my friends about AFSO. I love the organization and helping out. At the end of the day, to find a program like this where you can do something small that has an impact on people makes you feel you are involved and are doing what you can.